Google today updated its native Chrome for Android app. You can download the new version now from the official Google Play Store .
While the official changelog merely says that “this version update includes a number of stability fixes and performance improvements” the Chrome Releases blog says it has more to do with adding support for the new Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 devices.
Given that new versions of Android come with Chrome by default, this may be a little unclear. What I think Google is trying to say here is that Chrome for Android received improvements during the development of the new Android 4.2 devices from Google, and Google now wants to bring the improvements to all Chrome for Android users.
Google says that the new versions are as follows: 18.0.1025464 for ARM devices and to 18.0.1026320 for x86 devices. It’s worth noting that this is the first update for the latter; Chrome for Android on Intel devices was first released in late September .
Chrome for Android is still four versions behind Chrome for Windows, Mac, and Linux. In fact, Google Chrome version 23 is set to be released later this month, putting Chrome for Android even further behind.
Google has a Known Issues Web page set up for the mobile browser, but it has not detailed when it plans to speed up Chrome for Android development to catch up with Chrome for desktops, if at all. To help the company out, you can file a bug here: Chromium – Android issue .
As for the new line of Nexus devices from Google, they’re coming in less than two weeks. Their release should help Chrome increase its market share in mobile, something Opera should be worried about .
See also – Google reveals the Nexus 4: 8GB for $299, 16GB for $349 available November 13 and Google officially announces the Nexus 10: 16GB for $399, 32GB for $499 available November 13
Image credit: Bruno De Lorenzo
Chromebooks headed to nine more countries, Google confirms with a poem
What better way to announce the upcoming availability of Google OS-powered Chromebooks in nine new countries than with a poem?
Well, hard details of arrival dates and which models will be available in each region would have been nice, but rather than that Google confirmed that the devices will be coming to New Zealand, the Philippines, Norway, Denmark, Mexico, Chile, Belgium, Spain and Italy. Just not exactly when they’ll arrive.
To be fair, the company does note in its verses that for Mexico and Chile “t ons of apps and free automatic updates are starting today” and that Belgium, Spain and Italy will be opened up “in the coming weeks”.
Clearly, the expansion of availability of devices powered by Chrome OS is an important step for Google in establishing the concept of a cloud-based PC in the public’s mind. While Chrome OS-based devices are now maturing, many people still see the requirement of near-permanent internet connectivity as a major drawback compared to a ‘regular’ PC.
➤ Chromebooks are coming to nine more nations [Google]
Samsung press invite teases new Galaxy device for Berlin event on September 4
Samsung unveiled a slew of new Galaxy and ATIV -branded hardware at its ‘Premiere 2013’ event in May, but it looks like the OEM has a few more surprises for the IFA trade show this September.
As spotted by The Verge , the tagline ‘Note the Date’ seems to point to the inevitable launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note III. The company has revealed it will also be holding a separate event in Times Square and livestreaming the event for those who can’t make it to Berlin.
Stick it in your diary folks. If it’s anything like the Galaxy S4 launch , you won’t want to miss it.
➤ AllThingsD
Image Credit: TechCrunch